We are making significant improvements to our mail delivery system to provide you with better email performance, reliability, and security. As part of this upgrade, we’re transitioning to enhanced email infrastructure, which offers:
– Enhanced Deliverability: Better inbox placement and reduced spam filtering
– Improved Reliability: Higher uptime and faster email processing
– Advanced Security: Enhanced protection against phishing and spoofing attacks
– Better Performance: Faster email delivery and improved server response times
– Modern Infrastructure: Updated servers with the latest email technologies
This transition requires updating your domain’s DNS records to ensure seamless email delivery during and after the upgrade.
Overview
This guide will walk you through the process of updating your domain’s MX (Mail Exchange) records to use our improved email service and ensuring your SPF record is properly configured for email authentication.
What Are MX and SPF Records?
MX Records tell other email servers where to deliver email for your domain. When someone sends an email to your domain, their email server looks up your MX record to know which mail server should receive the message.
SPF Records (Sender Policy Framework) help prevent email spoofing by specifying which mail servers are authorized to send email on behalf of your domain.
Step 1: Update Your MX Record
Accessing Your DNS Settings
The process varies depending on your domain registrar or DNS provider. Common providers include:
– GoDaddy
– Namecheap
– Cloudflare
– Google Domains
– Your web hosting provider
Steps to Update MX Records
1) Log into your domain registrar or DNS provider’s control panel
2) Navigate to DNS Management (may be labeled as “DNS Settings,” “Zone File,” or “Advanced DNS”)
3) Locate the MX Records section
4) Delete existing MX records (if any)
5) Add the new MX record:
– Name/Host: @ (or leave blank, depending on your provider)
– Type: MX
– Value/Points to: mx.soverin.net
– Priority: 10
– TTL: 3600 (or use default)
Provider-Specific Instructions
For GoDaddy:
– Go to DNS Management → Add Record → Type: MX → Host: @ → Points to: mx.soverin.net → Priority: 10
For Cloudflare:
– Go to DNS → Add record → Type: MX → Name: @ → Mail server: mx.soverin.net → Priority: 10
For Namecheap:
– Go to Advanced DNS → Add New Record → Type: MX Record → Host: @ → Value: mx.soverin.net → Priority: 10
Step 2: Verify Your SPF Record
You need to ensure the following SPF record exists for your domain:
v=spf1 include:secureserver.net exists:%{i}.mta.spf.extendcp.co.uk exists:%{i}.web.spf.extendcp.co.uk exists:%{i}.exch.spf.extendcp.co.uk -all
Adding or Updating the SPF Record
1) In your DNS management interface, look for TXT records
2) Check if an SPF record already exists (it will start with “v=spf1”)
3) If an SPF record exists:
– Edit the existing record to match the one above
– Important: Only have ONE SPF record per domain
4) If no SPF record exists:
– Add a new TXT record:
– Name/Host: @ (or your domain name)
– Type: TXT
– Value: v=spf1 include:secureserver.net exists:%{i}.mta.spf.extendcp.co.uk exists:%{i}.web.spf.extendcp.co.uk exists:%{i}.exch.spf.extendcp.co.uk -all
Understanding the SPF Record Components
– v=spf1 – Identifies this as an SPF version 1 record
– include:secureserver.net – Allows GoDaddy’s mail servers to send email
– exists:%{i}.mta.spf.extendcp.co.uk – Dynamic check for MTA servers
– exists:%{i}.web.spf.extendcp.co.uk – Dynamic check for web servers
– exists:%{i}.exch.spf.extendcp.co.uk – Dynamic check for exchange servers
– -all – Reject all other sources (strict policy)
Step 3: Verify Your Changes
Check MX Record
Use online tools or command line to verify:
nslookup -type=MX yourdomain.com
or
dig MX yourdomain.com
Check SPF Record
nslookup -type=TXT yourdomain.com
or
dig TXT yourdomain.com
You can also use online DNS lookup tools like:
– MXToolbox.com
– DNS Checker
– What’s My DNS
Important Notes
DNS Propagation Time
– Changes can take 24-48 hours to fully propagate worldwide
– Most changes are visible within a few hours
– TTL (Time To Live) settings affect propagation speed
Email Delivery During Transition
– During DNS propagation, some emails might be delayed
– Inform important contacts about potential temporary delivery issues
Multiple MX Records
– If you need backup mail servers, you can add multiple MX records with different priorities
– Lower priority numbers are tried first (10 before 20)
SPF Record Limits
– SPF records have a 10 DNS lookup limit
– The record above uses several “exists” mechanisms that count toward this limit
– If you have other email services, you may need to consolidate SPF records
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
– MX record not updating: Check TTL settings and wait for propagation
– SPF record conflicts: Ensure only one SPF record exists
– Email bouncing: Verify MX record points to correct server
– Authentication failures: Double-check SPF record syntax
Getting Help
– Contact your DNS provider’s support if you’re having trouble accessing DNS settings
– Use DNS lookup tools to verify your changes
– Check email headers for delivery issues
Security Considerations
– The SPF record uses a strict “-all” policy, which provides good protection against spoofing
– Monitor email delivery after changes to ensure legitimate emails aren’t being rejected
By following this guide, your domain will be properly configured to use our improved email service with appropriate SPF authentication in place.
